One leg much stronger.

Adieu
Adieu Posts: 83
edited July 2011 in Road beginners
When I was younger I used to do a lot of cycling and developed fairly strong legs until about 6 years ago where I developed knee problems and had to stop. As a result of that, one of my legs severely weekend whilst the other stayed relatively strong in comparison, although obviously not as strong as it was.

Now that I am getting back into cycling, I notice that although I try very hard to put in as much effort with my left leg as my right, my right leg (the stronger leg) feels more worn out at the end of the ride and I'm worried I am never going to be able to balance this out.

Has anybody got any advice? Thanks.

Comments

  • Secteur
    Secteur Posts: 1,971
    See a physio who will assess you and the bottom line is that you need to do strengthening exercises out of the bike - the physio will show you this
  • colsoop
    colsoop Posts: 217
    Most people have a dominant side. However you may find an underlying issue.

    Perhaps one leg is longer than the other, worth getting it checked out.
  • Rich Hcp
    Rich Hcp Posts: 1,355
    I was born with a short tendon in my left ankle, it's 20mm shorter and weaker.

    I can't put the left foot down, it's not strong enough to hold me up or push of, and it doesn't reach the ground!

    I ride bikes ok, not great at climbing, I go for stamina.

    My lower left leg is thinner than the right, but the thigh is bigger, so it looks like I compensate for the weakness, it takes a while for me to warm up, it's a big muscle to get going.

    I made no conceous effort to compensate, I just seem to ride this way.

    I think you should just get on and ride, don't overdo it, you need to give your body time to find it's best way to ride the bike.

    You may be overding it and stressing your good leg, I back off if I'm stressing either leg, it'll pay off in the long run.
    Richard

    Giving it Large
  • Rich Hcp
    Rich Hcp Posts: 1,355
    Secteur wrote:
    See a physio who will assess you and the bottom line is that you need to do strengthening exercises out of the bike - the physio will show you this

    You ought to get a professional opinion on this, you don't want to cause further damage elsewhere.

    As I said, I was born this way and grew in to it, I've had physio over the years, now I am fitter & ride a lot, I don't need physio 8)
    Richard

    Giving it Large

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